summary
- Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 requires a Microsoft account in addition to a PSN account.
- Progress from the Xbox or PC version will not be transferred to the PS5 version.
- There is no mutual progression, but PS5 players can access UGC from other platforms.
We already know that the previous Xbox-only Forza Horizon 5 is heading for the PS5 this spring, but some may not know that there are additional requirements to play.
Apparently you cannot start playing the Forza Horizon 5 on your PS5. This is because you need to register for a Microsoft account first.
Forza Horizon 5 also requires a Microsoft account on the PS5
Hidden in the Forza Horizon 5 PS5 FAQ page is to ensure that players must sign up for a Microsoft account in order to play racing games on the PlayStation console. You can imagine this as the standard for all the big Xbox games across the PS5 with online components.
Q: Do I need a Microsoft account to play Forza Horizon 5 on my PlayStation 5?
A: Yes, in addition to your PSN account, you must link to your Microsoft account to play Forza Horizon 5 on PS5. This process begins the first time you launch the game on the console.
I don’t know if this will break the contract for some people, but it’s definitely not ideal. Anything that involves jumping over more hoops, not only buying the game, but also downloading the game and then booting up, to jump over more hoops, is another added layer that is inconvenient.
Elsewhere in the FAQ confirms there is no mutual progression support for the PS5 from the Xbox Series X | s.
Q: I’m already playing Forza Horizon 5 on my Xbox or PC. Will my progress from these other platforms go to the PlayStation 5?
A: No, Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 does not take over saved files from versions of games released on other platforms. This also works the same between the Xbox and Steam versions of the game, with the game files being isolated and not synced.
That’s a shame, but not surprising. Thankfully, when it comes to user-generated content (UGC), the PS5 version can be checked out from other platforms.
Q: PS5 players can download and play Forza Horizon 5 UGC (Eventlab, Liveries, Tunes).
A: PS5 players can enjoy all UGC (user-generated content) shared by other players in the Xbox and Steam versions of Forza Horizon 5. Additionally, Xbox and PC players can check out all content created by PS5 players.
I will collect it. This is similar to what PC gamers felt when they mandated that they created a PlayStation network account to play PlayStation games on their PC. Thankfully, it appears that Sony is backtracking based on the current release.
Forza Horizon 5 will be available on PS5 on April 28, 2025, and has features that are not available on Xbox Brethren.
Would creating this mandatory Microsoft account discourage you from getting Forza Horizon 5 on your PS5? Leave a comment and let us know what you think.
